The infraorbital nerve is a crucial sensory nerve, acting as a terminal branch of the maxillary nerve.
Understanding the Infraorbital Nerve
The infraorbital nerve plays a significant role in facial sensation, specifically:
- Origin: It originates as a terminal branch of the maxillary nerve, which itself is a branch of the trigeminal nerve (the 5th cranial nerve).
- Function: It primarily provides sensory innervation to a specific region of the face.
Innervation Details
The infraorbital nerve is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the following areas:
- Lower Eyelid: Sensation in the skin of the lower eyelid.
- Side of the Nose: Sensation in the lateral part of the nose.
- Upper Lip: Sensory input from the upper lip.
- Upper Teeth: Specifically, it innervates:
- Upper incisors.
- Canines.
- Premolars.
- The root of the first molar.
Clinical Significance
Damage or irritation to the infraorbital nerve can result in:
- Numbness or tingling in the areas it supplies.
- Pain in the upper teeth or facial region.
- Loss of sensation in the lower eyelid, side of the nose, or upper lip.
This knowledge is crucial for dentists and other healthcare professionals dealing with facial pain or dental issues.
